Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most extensive site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players and builders on the internet. Welcome!
Join Groups and Forum discussions that interest you, make new music friends. Share your photos, music clips and videos, resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask beginner questions! All are welcome here no matter your playing style, skill level, or musical tastes. Become a member of Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer (FOTMD) community -it's friendly and totally FREE!
After joining, please read the Site Rules before posting. You'll find your very own Member Profile Page by clicking on your name link in the drop menus. Click on various links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . You've come to the right place to receive free help and encouragement in playing music. Here on FOTMD we all learn from each other as friends. Join our block party! -Strumelia
Latest Activity
@studentofrhythm
• an hour ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @ondrej: Slovak folk songs for DAD Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @ondrej: Slovak folk songs for DAD Dulcimer
@studentofrhythm
• an hour ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @ondrej: Jewish songs songs for DAD Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @ondrej: Jewish songs songs for DAD Dulcimer
@studentofrhythm
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Waltz from Rättvik after Gans Erik
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Waltz from Rättvik after Gans Erik
@studentofrhythm
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Solid body electric dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Solid body electric dulcimer":
"Butch, this is all lovely! Thank you, this will continue to give me more ideas. I see you guys are on bandcamp -- I've heard a bit of Rockwell and Bohlman..."
@studentofrhythm
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted new YouTube video(s):
God Loved Us, So He Sent His Son
God Loved Us, So He Sent His Son
@shopdad
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"Thankyou Robin. I will mark that date on my calendar. This may be one of those connection sites that Ken was speaking of. Any effort to keep the Dulcimer..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"@shopdad, the last Saturday in March is International Appalachian Dulcimer Day. Folks are encouraged to post recordings, videos, or just share in a message..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @allthumbs36:
Posted a new Comment on @allthumbs36:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Allthumbs36. It's good to have you aboard. We are a friendly and knowledgeable group of mountain dulcimers who enjoy sharing our mountain..."
@richard-streib
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @allthumbs36:
Posted a new Comment on @allthumbs36:
"Welcome Allthumbs36 to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad you joined. This is an active forum with wide range of skill levels and knowledge levels...."
@shopdad
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"I would like to hear (see) some other stories or examples of FOTMD group to post what else is being done to promote and encourage the dulcimer "
@shopdad
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"I believe the tradition will continue as long as there are folks like you guys keeping us "newbees" educated.
I belong to an airboat club here is central..."
@richard-streib
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"Great questions to consider. I think it is safe to say that all of us on this forum really like the mountain dulcimer.
But do we like it enough to do what we..."
@ken-longfield
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 18
Posted a new Comment on @john-c-knopf:
Posted a new Comment on @john-c-knopf:
"We should probably be doing this on one of the Forum pages rather than on both of your home pages. But, I agree with John. It looks like there were other..."
@dusty
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "HELP Chord F":
Posted a response to "HELP Chord F":
"You got it, Jon! Yes, 1+, 1+, 4 is an F chord. (You can also do a partial F or F minor by playing 1+, 1+, 1+.)
The notes of an F chord are F, A, and C...."
@lilley-pad
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "HELP Chord F":
Created a new forum topic "HELP Chord F":
"Okay, looks like I need some help with my chords. I'm not getting this one. I'm not finding it in any of my chord books or on any of my chord information..."
@john-c-knopf
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 18
Posted a new Comment on @john-c-knopf:
Posted a new Comment on @john-c-knopf:
"Now that I see these photos, I'm sure those 3 machine pegs could be removed and 3 Wittner pegs substituted for them. A good local guitar (or fiddle)..."
@richard-streib
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @n-stromberg:
Posted a new Comment on @n-stromberg:
"Glad you joined N Stromberg. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. This is a great place with a lot of information and some of the greatest folks in..."
@richard-streib
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @shelli-pleasantt:
Posted a new Comment on @shelli-pleasantt:
"Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer Shelli Pleasantt. So glad you joined. This is an active dulcimer community with a lot of information on these..."
@ken-longfield
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Created a new forum topic "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"On another website, The Traditional Appalachian Dulcimore link , a few folks were wondering if any dulcimer clubs or groups spend any time looking at the..."
@ken-longfield
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on @kittiwake1:
Posted a new Comment on @kittiwake1:
"Another vote for Wittner pegs.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@ken-longfield
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @shelli-pleasantt:
Posted a new Comment on @shelli-pleasantt:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Shelli. It's good to have you aboard. You have found a great place to connect with other mountain dulcimer enthusiasts. Have fun exploring..."
@ken-longfield
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @n-stromberg:
Posted a new Comment on @n-stromberg:
"Welcome to FOTMD, N Stromberg. It's good to have you aboard. This is a wonderful place to begin your dulcimer journey. We are a friendly and knowledgeable..."
@ken-longfield
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Bob Thomason dulcimer player and maker :
Posted a new Comment on Bob Thomason dulcimer player and maker :
"That's a very nice dulcimer with a great sound. You do good work. Thanks for sharing.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@davisjames
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @studentofrhythm: Savior, Redeemer of My Soul
Liked a youtube item created by @studentofrhythm: Savior, Redeemer of My Soul
@kittiwake1
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 18
Posted a new Comment on @john-c-knopf:
Posted a new Comment on @john-c-knopf:
"Here it is. Thanks for the suggestion of using Wittner pegs. I never heard of them, but they look like just the thing this dulcimer needs."
@robin-thompson
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Bob Thomason dulcimer player and maker :
Posted a new Comment on Bob Thomason dulcimer player and maker :
"Sure is a pretty one! That wormy Chestnut and spalted Cherry look and sound good. "
@david-bennett
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: September:
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: September:
"I'm a bit late this month, my plate is getting too full!!
Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: September..."
@dulcimerbob
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Bob Thomason dulcimer player and maker :
Posted a new Comment on Bob Thomason dulcimer player and maker :
"John C. Knopf:
Beautiful workmanship and sound! So nice.
Thank you"
@richard-streib
• yesterday
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on @kittiwake1:
Posted a new Comment on @kittiwake1:
"I also like the Wittner pegs. Arthritis in my hands limits my use of tapered pegs, as much as I wish I could use them."
@john-c-knopf
• yesterday
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on @kittiwake1:
Posted a new Comment on @kittiwake1:
"Can we see some photos? It sounds like it could be done, to me, but I'd need to see photos.
Have you heard of Wittner pegs? They look like ebony but are..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on @kittiwake1:
Posted a new Comment on @kittiwake1:
"Hi, and welcome! Try posting your questions in our Forums rather than on your own profile page... you'll more likely get responses that way.
Here's a good..."
@john-c-knopf
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Bob Thomason dulcimer player and maker :
Posted a new Comment on Bob Thomason dulcimer player and maker :
"Beautiful workmanship and sound! So nice."
@dulcimerbob
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted new YouTube video(s):
Bob Thomason dulcimer player and maker
Bob Thomason dulcimer player and maker
@kittiwake1
• yesterday
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on @kittiwake1:
Posted a new Comment on @kittiwake1:
"Hi everyone, I have a question regarding restoration of a vintage dulcimer, but can't figure out precisely where to post it within this website. So, here..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @msteg3:
Posted a new Comment on @msteg3:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Msteg3. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your questions. You might try searching this site for things that interest you. We..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Playing a dulcimer at a ham radio flea market":
Posted a response to "Playing a dulcimer at a ham radio flea market":
"Thanks for the story Peter. I enjoyed it. You never know where dulcimer might appear.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @pete-babechuk: Playing a dulcimer at a ham radio flea market
Liked a forum discussions item created by @pete-babechuk: Playing a dulcimer at a ham radio flea market
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Playing a dulcimer at a ham radio flea market":
Posted a response to "Playing a dulcimer at a ham radio flea market":
"Pete, i just love that story! "
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @pete-babechuk: Playing a dulcimer at a ham radio flea market
Liked a forum discussions item created by @pete-babechuk: Playing a dulcimer at a ham radio flea market
@shopdad
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Playing a dulcimer at a ham radio flea market":
Posted a response to "Playing a dulcimer at a ham radio flea market":
"Hey Pete I know the feeling. For many years the only thing I could play was the radio. Being at a Ham Radio event I suppose there are a few people like me...."
@pete-babechuk
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Playing a dulcimer at a ham radio flea market":
Created a new forum topic "Playing a dulcimer at a ham radio flea market":
"Just wanted to share this 'cuz I thought it was funny.
So I went to the Monroe Michigan Ham Radio Club Hamfest a couple months ago. It's a swap and shop..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @msteg3:
Posted a new Comment on @msteg3:
"Welcome Msteg3 to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad that you joined this active forum. There is a lot of knowledge represented here and a wide array of..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Play Music on the Porch Day 2026":
Posted a response to "Play Music on the Porch Day 2026":
"Welcome to mountain dulcimer play, @kittiwake1! It's neat you're coming up with your own tunes.
I enjoy making up the tunes my husband and I play--..."
@kittiwake1
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Play Music on the Porch Day 2026":
Posted a response to "Play Music on the Porch Day 2026":
"Very nice! By the way, do any of you enjoy making up your own tunes? I'm just a beginner on the mountain dulcimer, but I find myself strumming various..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @tupelo-honey:
Posted a new Comment on @tupelo-honey:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Tupelo Honey. It's good to have you aboard. Do you have a mountain dulcimer and are you playing it. Have fun exploring this site. You can..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @tupelo-honey:
Posted a new Comment on @tupelo-honey:
"Welcome Tupelo Honey to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad you joined.This is a very active community of dulcimer afficianados. We are here to support..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Robin Thompson:
I don't know whether it's a Modern Mountain Dulcimer or not. These days, I believe Don has been playing the very cool Troublesome Creek..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"While I'm at it, here's a link for the 2026 Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming:..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"@john-c-knopf Correct, the dulcimer in the video is not a Troublesome Creek dulcimer. I only mentioned the Troublesome Creek dulcimers to let Strumelia know..."
@john-c-knopf
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"The dulcimer in the video is NOT a Troublesome Creek dulcimer. It has a guitar-style head, whereas the Troublesome Creek dulcimers have the short scroll..."
Join a Group! All
Beginner players
Are you a brand new player? Join this group and ask all...
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...
If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making
A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Fingerpicking
A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Hymn and Worship Song Players
a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Mountain Dulcimer History &...
Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Pacific Northwest Players
For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players
For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
Site Moderators Group
A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...
Latest Videos
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Latest Forum Posts All
Solid body electric dulcimer
Posted: Saturday September 5 2026, 10:28 PM
By: @StudentofRhythm
By: @StudentofRhythm
Dulcimer History and Tradition
Posted: Saturday September 5 2026, 9:14 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
HELP Chord F
Posted: Saturday September 5 2026, 4:37 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Playing a dulcimer at a ham...
Posted: Friday September 4 2026, 2:01 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Play Music on the Porch Day...
Posted: Thursday September 3 2026, 5:01 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Wednesday September 2 2026, 4:56 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
In the days before picks.....
Posted: Tuesday September 1 2026, 3:51 PM
By: @tonyg
By: @tonyg
Questions regarding two...
Posted: Monday August 31 2026, 12:59 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
FOTMD one year anniversary...
Posted: Sunday August 30 2026, 7:46 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Fly high, Dolly Parton
Posted: Thursday August 27 2026, 3:42 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT
Posted: Wednesday August 26 2026, 9:06 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Curly Ash Teardrop Dulcimer
Posted: Wednesday August 26 2026, 11:13 AM
By: @Noah Cline
By: @Noah Cline
Has anyone Heard of the...
Posted: Monday August 24 2026, 4:57 PM
By: @nattyice1252
By: @nattyice1252
Danish folk group which...
Posted: Monday August 24 2026, 9:34 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
what gauge strings ?
Posted: Sunday August 23 2026, 11:10 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Porch Music
Posted: Friday August 21 2026, 7:03 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
McSpadden 'Skunk Stripe'...
Posted: Thursday August 20 2026, 12:47 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Change For Sale Listing Price
Posted: Monday August 17 2026, 9:09 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Selling Folkcraft CSH...
Posted: Monday August 17 2026, 9:07 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Box Dulcimer Project
Posted: Sunday August 16 2026, 9:57 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Traditional dulcimer makers
Posted: Saturday August 15 2026, 4:11 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
favorite fiddle tunes to...
Posted: Friday August 14 2026, 5:01 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Humidifier for dulcimers
Posted: Wednesday August 12 2026, 9:43 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Dulcimer lessons
Posted: Monday August 10 2026, 8:57 PM
By: @Luthier
By: @Luthier
Is this Ruggs and Jackel...
Posted: Friday August 7 2026, 1:36 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
David Field dulcimers
Posted: Sunday August 2 2026, 9:54 AM
By: @prairieschooner
By: @prairieschooner
Happy Birthday America
Posted: Friday July 31 2026, 4:21 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
What Are You Working On?
Posted: Friday July 31 2026, 10:46 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Eaa Tuning
Posted: Wednesday July 29 2026, 10:05 AM
By: @tonyg
By: @tonyg
How are you dealing with...
Posted: Wednesday July 29 2026, 7:15 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Read the Site Rules
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